External Amplification Options....

audiobliss

Alright, I'm beginning to look into amps for my Klipsch RF-35s. I'd use my Yamaha RX-V1400 as a pre-amp, I guess. I know that I'd be better off with tubes with my Klipsch, that I don't need a lot of power because they're sensitive, etc. However, I do plan on getting some other speakers sometime in my future; just don't know when, lol. I'd like something that will work well with my Klipsch and yet be able to, say, push a pair of LSi9s to their peak (well, almost) performance. I guess I'm starting to crave something 'high end' even though I have found no faults with my current set-up (besdies my source, which I'll take care of before I get an amp).

I would pretty much just be interested in a stereo amp, as I'd power my Klipsch mains with it and then use the Yamaha for the other speakers (which I hardly ever use, anyways). I guess the next step would then be a pre-amp; but, not yet.

Now, I've read here that opposites mate well. I.E., my 'bright' speakers would like a 'warm' amp. I've also heard that B&K goes well with Klipsch. I've really gotten to like the B&K stuff, and there's a store not too far away that sells it. I'll hafta go up there sometime and look at prices and hear the sound. How much does their equipment usually cost? I've looked at (online) their Reference 200.2. How much would that cost?

Any other suggestions for some external, quality amplification for my Klipsch that would also be suitable for nicer, more demanding speakers?

Any suggestions and advice is very much appreciated!

sowen010599

'bout $1,300 from a dealer.

I have the ref 200.7 and I really like it. I'm using the RX-V2400 as a pre/pro. It works very well as a pre/pro. A hell of a lot better than that Outlaw 950. I demoed it, and to be honest............ thought it was a POS. I know there is better out there than the B&K but open that wallet. It's gonna cost A LOT to do any better.

B&K is very neutral. Not a dead neutral though. I wouldn't say it's warm, or bright, it's just there...... doing what it's supposed to. That's why I bought it, it's un-colored, the way an amp should be.

audiobliss

Ouch!! I just dropped that idea like a bad habit!! Well, actually, a lot easier, lol. I don't think I'll be able to afford that for a while.

Man, now what?! lol Maybe I can get a job at some audio joing....get some discount.....lol

audiobliss

Originally posted by Zero
Atta' boy.

lol.....hey, I didn't want suggestions on THAT!!!!......lol.... ....

sowen010599

You can pick up a pair of Outlaw 200 watt monoblocks for $299 each. They're not bad at all. I don't think they really compare with the Ref. B&K's but they shouldn't, they are in an entirely different price range. The B&K Ref. 200.7 for example, it costs about double what the Outlaw 770 200 watt 7 channel does.

One thing you could do also is find a pair of Marantz MA500's. They run 'bout $125-150 each used. They are good 150 watt amps.

Nothing about this hobby (if you can call it a hobby) is cheap.

hamzahsh

The sound quality of Yamaha 1400 is neutral. As a receiver I found that at lounder levels the sound start to move into the bright side like many other receivers due to the load on power supply and distortion in sound. In 2-ch music it was little noticible and also in the movies too. I always found that something is really missing and it was the midrange. I heard that Polks are bright sounding speakers but Yamaha 1400 sounds damn good with Polks.

Later on, I looked into warmer sounding amps, first I bought NAD C272 (150w x 2) amp which actually made the music more sweeter and warmer, exactly what I needed. After that I bought the Adcom GFA-7605 (125w x5) amp which added the same warmth and sweetness like NAD did, this way I took all the load off the 1400 and left it as a surround sound processor.

Now no matter at what level I play music and movies, everything sounds clean, warm and mellow. The sound is fuller and more dynamic with tons of details. The highs are silky and smooth. Thumbs Up to NAD and ADCOM for there smooth and warm sound!

I love my Yamaha RX-V1400 as a pre/pro and yes it does an excellent job but I still believe in a dedicated pre/pro for more improvement. I've plan to use my Yamaha 1400 for another 9 years maximum or even more, by that time technology will change a lot. I'll definitely look into ROTEL, NAD and ANTHEM processors.

But you never know when upgrade bug is going to bite you! I might change my mind and upgrade soon but right now Yamaha 1400 does everything that I need. So who cares about upgrade!

BTW, I highly recommend the use of external amps, they make hell of a difference.

Ahhhh WARM, CLEAN sound, I simply close my eyes.........smooth!!!;)

audiobliss

Thanks for the info, hamzahsh. I'm not sure exactly what sound I want. I really need to go audition stuff and listen to what it sounds like.

I might need to look into the Outlaw stuff.....

ntculenuff

Originally posted by hamzahsh
BTW, I highly recommend the use of external amps, they make hell of a difference.

i will have too agree.
the dynamics in sound and the headroom you gain from using an external amp is unbeleivable untill you try it.. i had hooked up and adcom amp to my system had it about a month and then had too take it out for some repair work and when i went back too using my recievers amp it was like listening to mp3's just had a compressed sound, but now i have my amp back and woohoo big sound